Pros and Cons of Countertop Materials

With a wide variety of countertop materials, you may be wondering about the pros and cons of each material as well as the price. You have to remember when dealing with price that installation may or may not be included when you purchase from stores, so you may find a very big difference between the prices of similar countertops. Depending on the countertop materials, you will find differences in looks, performance and strength.

Laminate is one of the most common countertop materials. It is more economical than other materials and will look great with any kitchen as there is so much variety on patterns and colors. Another pro of laminate is that it resists stains well. Cons of laminate are it can deform or scorch when exposed to hot pots and a simply kitchen knife is sharp enough to cut through it. Average cost, with installation is usually from $10 - $30 a square foot.

Corian is a brand name, but usually any solid surface countertop made of resin is bunched into the Corian name. Pros of solid surface countertops are it is stain resistant and non-porous. There are many colors available and it is easily repaired if damaged by heat or knives. Cons are, of course, it can be damaged fairly easily by heat or knives. It typically runs from $30 to $80 a square foot, installed.

One of the strongest countertop materials marble is crystallized limestone and has grey or beige natural veining. Marble countertops are totally heat resistant and have a flat smooth surface that is great for preparing foods like dough. Cons of marble are it chips easily and needs to be sealed at least once or twice per year. It is also weak against acid. A lemon slice can stain or cause erosion. The price of marble is from about $40 to $100 a square foot, installed.

Stainless steel is one of the most resilient countertop materials. These countertops are heat resistant and non porous so they will be bacteria free. It is hard to hurt steel countertops, but they pick up smudges and fingerprints really easily. That can be a con especially if you are a neat freak. Stainless steel can also be scratched if you aren't careful. When installed, the price ranges from $70 to $120 per square foot on average.

Granite counter tops are the most popular countertop materials. Granite is also probably the strongest, being able to stand up to the roughest conditions. You can put the hottest pans on it and will never cut it, even with the sharpest kitchen knife. Cons of granite are it needs to be sealed annually and the seams are visible.

Finally, paper composite is a fairly new material and is a green option as it is made from paper. It can also be broken down and recycled easily. It is heat and scratch resistant and is very smooth. Cons of the paper composite counter is it can be stained by red wine, mustard or other brightly colored materials and it is on the expensive side. Average is $90 to $150 per square foot when installed.